Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O great king! Shree Krishnù Jee,
acquainted with the secrets of the heart; having heard Soodama’s
speech, and understanding what his many wishes were, said laughingly,
“Brother! what present has your wife sent for me; why do you not give
it to me, but keep it pressed down under your arm?”
Having heard this, O great king! Soodama was abashed, and his spirits
began to droop, when Krishnù hastily snatched the bundle of rice from
under his arm; having then opened it, and eaten two handfuls of rice
with the greatest avidity, when he had taken the third mouthful, Shree
Rookmunee Jee laid hold of the hand of Huri and said, “O great king!
you have given him two worlds, will you not keep some place for your
own habitation; this seems to be a brahmin of excellent disposition
and very good family, a great religious ascetic, and one who has
abandoned all terrestrial objects, because he has not exulted on
obtaining wealth, I know, therefore, that he looks upon gain and loss
alike, rejoices not at obtaining nor sorrows at losing.” When
Rookmunee Jee had thus spoken, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee said,
“Beloved! this is my best friend, how can I enumerate his many
excellent qualities? He remains constantly immersed in the love of me;
and in comparison with that love looks upon the pleasures of the world
as grass.”
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja
Pureechit,--O great king! Krishnù, having addressed many speeches and
explanations to Rookmunee Jee, brought Soodama into the house; having
after this entertained him with delicacies of all kinds, and given him
betel, Huri took Soodama and placed him upon a bed like foam; he was
fatigued and knocked up by the journey, and enjoyed a pleasant sleep
upon the bed; Krishnù having then sent for Bishokurma, said, “Go now
and build a very beautiful house for Soodama of gold and jewels, and
place in it the eight fruits of ascetic severities, and the treasure
of Kouverù, consisting of nine gems, in order that no desire of his
may be unsatisfied.”
When Krishnù had thus spoken Bishokurma went and built the house
instantly, and returned; having mentioned to Krishnù that he had done
so, he went home; early in the morning Soodama rose, and went to take
leave of Krishnù, after having bathed, and finished his religious
meditations, adoration and worship, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee was at
that time quite unable to speak; but remained gazing immersed in
affection, with downcast eyes, and stupified, Soodama, having taken
leave and made a salutation, went homewards, and on the road began to
reflect, “I did well in not asking Krishnù for any thing; had I asked
him he would certainly have given it, but he would have thought me
greedy and avaricious, no matter, I shall be able to explain all the
circumstances to my wife. Shree Krishnù Chund Jee treated me with the
greatest respect and honour, and considered me as free from avarice;
this is for me equal to a lakh of rupees.”
With these thoughts in his mind Soodama, O great king! came near his
village, and was surprised at not perceiving either his former
residence, or broken hut, but a populous city like that of Indrù’s.
On seeing this, Soodama was very much grieved, and began to say,
“Lord! what hast thou done? I had one affliction, and thou has given
me another: what has become of my cottage, and where has my wife gone?
From whom shall I enquire, and where shall I search for them?” Having
thus said Soodama went to the gate, and asked the door-keeper, “Whose
is this very beautiful house?” The door-keeper replied, “It belongs to
Soodama, the friend of Shree Krishnù Chund.” When upon hearing this
Soodama was on the point of speaking, his wife, who had seen him from
the inside, came up to her husband, dressed in fine clothes and
jewels, adorned from head to foot, having eaten betel, and applied
perfumes, and accompanied by her female companions; falling at his
feet, she threw down silken cloths for him to walk upon; and, having
joined her hands, thus spoke, “Why are you standing there, come into
the house, and banish all anxiety from your mind; after you left,
Bishokurma came, who built this house in a second.”
O great king! when Soodama had heard his wife speak thus, he went into
the house; and on seeing the great profusion of wealth, was very much
dejected. The brahminee said, “Husband! people are rejoiced at
obtaining riches, but you are sad, what is the reason of this? Please
kindly tell me, that the perplexities of my mind may be removed?”
Soodama replied, “Beloved! this wealth is very deceptive, it has
deceived, is still deceiving and will continue to deceive the whole
world. Krishnù has bestowed it upon me, not having confidence in my
affection; when have I asked it from him, that he has given it to me?
This is why my mind is sad.” The brahminee said, “Husband! you did not
ask any thing from Shree Krishnù Chund Jee; but, being acquainted
with the secrets of the heart, he knows the thoughts of each
individual; in my mind there was a desire for wealth, which Krishnù
has satisfied; do not form any other opinion in your mind upon this
subject.”
Having recited thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja
Pureechit,--O great king! whoever shall hear and repeat this story,
shall never, having come into the world, suffer any affliction; and in
the end shall go to the celestial paradise.